Provincial Health
Authority Standards

Pro Beauty Services and Infection Control in Canada

In Canada, health regulations are the jurisdiction of each province where Ministries of Health enact guidelines, undertake inspections and provide education to help salon establishments eliminate or mitigate the effects of communicable disease. Where no such legislation exists, salon operators are still responsible for ensuring their business includes disinfection practices that protect their staff and customers from unnecessary exposure to germs and bacteria. The following is a list of guidelines by province but salon operators should also be aware of municipal bylaws and licensing requirements that may additionally be applicable.

BRITISH COLUMBIA Ministry of Health

Guidelines for Personal Service Establishments (PSEs)

Operators of personal services establishments in British Columbia must comply with the Personal Services Establishment Regulation and must maintain and operate their establishments in a way that prevents health hazards from occurring. These guidelines are designed to assist operators of personal services establishments in preventing health hazards, in particular to reduce the risk of transmitting communicable diseases (ie: Hepatitis B, staph, HIV, herpes, etc.) or infestations (ie: head lice, body lice, or pubic lice) from common-use articles and sharp instruments.

ONTARIO Ministry of Health

Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Personal Services Settings

This document has been developed for public health inspectors to educate personal service workers (PSWs) to reduce the risk of transmission of blood borne and other types of infection for both clients and PSWs during the delivery of personal services. Percutaneous exposure (through penetration of skin) or mucous membrane exposure to blood or body fluids can lead to infection with blood-borne pathogens including Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), other human retroviruses, bacteria and other pathogens of concern, such as mycobacteria. For this reason, infection prevention and control precautions must be taken in every personal service setting. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to ensure all PSWs are educated in regards to infection control requirements specified in this protocol; both the client and the operator may be at risk of infection. It is important to recognize that blood and body fluids do not have to be visible on instruments or other surfaces for an infection to be transmitted.

Cosmetology Association of NOVA SCOTIA

Personal Service Facility Guidelines

The Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia is the licensing and regulatory authority of Nova Scotia Cosmetologists, salons and spas, industry business owners, colleges offering cosmetology programs, and students pursuing education in cosmetology. The Nova Scotia Cosmetology Act, 2012, c. 39 and its By-Laws are pieces of legislation by which the Association is guided. These legal documents outline the criteria required to become a member of the Association. Members are industry professionals such as Hairdressers, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Makeup Artists, and Lash Technicians. The Association is the backbone of the Nova Scotia cosmetology industry. The Association exists to advocate cosmetology best practice for the safety of the public and industry professional. This is accomplished by promoting licensing compliance, as well as the highest sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization standards.